MAX Power’s First Drill Hole Supports New Lithium Discovery in Western United States

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAX Power Mining Corp. (CSE: MAXX; OTC: MAXXF; FRANKFURT: 89N) (“MAX Power” or the “Company”) has intersected a thick lithium claystone sequence as well as multiple liquid brine targets in its first diamond drill hole at the Willcox Playa in southeast Arizona. This represents a new discovery with considerable scale and grade potential as MAX Power’s Willcox Property covers a 6-mile-long north-south corridor defined by favorable geophysics and surrounded by excellent infrastructure in the heart of the American West.

Highlights:

• From the top of the hole to approximately 900 feet, WP-23-01 (drilled vertically) in the northern portion of the property intersected a predominantly claystone sequence;
• Seven distinct fluid sequences were encountered in WP-23-01 at depths ranging from 67 feet to 1,188 feet. This is considered highly significant in terms of lithium brine potential from non-potable fluids under the Playa;
• The first drill hole was collared approximately 5 miles southeast of an historic U.S. Geological Survey hole completed in the 1970s and represents the start of first-ever systematic diamond drilling on the Playa;
• Initial analysis of the claystones using a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Z-903 (LIBS) portable handheld tool suggests the lithium mineralization in the claystones is more intense and pervasive than the encouraging results reported by the USGS in its historic test hole to the northwest;
• The second drill hole, a 1,640-foot step-out to the west, has commenced;
• Drill samples of the clays and the brine have already been sent to ALS Global in Tucson.

Mr. Peter Lauder, Senior Geologist and Exploration Manager for MAX Power, commented: “Willcox is already showing itself to be quite unique and fascinating based on just the very first drill hole with strong potential for widespread and robust lithium mineralization in thick claystone sequences under the Playa. The exciting wildcard is the potential for lithium mineralization in the fluid sequences, so we eagerly anticipate those results from ALS Global.”

Figure 1: The Willcox Playa

Figure 2: Representative Drill Core

The above photo in Figure 2 is claystone drill core from Willcox Playa hole WP-23-01 (assays pending).

Figure 3: Godbe Drilling's Core Rig on Hole WP-23-01

Historical Context

The Willcox Playa, situated approximately 200 miles southeast of Phoenix in Cochise County, was historically referenced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), following limited drilling in the 1970s, as one of the most prospective locations for lithium in the western United States, similar in its potential to Clayton Valley, Nevada, and the lithium brine and claystone deposits that have been identified there. Decades of U.S. Air Force activity in the Willcox Playa has ended, with MAX Power benefiting from first-mover advantage in the area.